Method and Device for Enhancing Memory
First Claim
1. An apparatus for improving at least one of retention or recall of a memory, the apparatus comprising:
- a reservoir configured to store an odorant;
a dispenser, coupled to or integral with the reservoir, and responsive to a first control signal to cause at least some of the odorant to be dispensed;
a controller to provide the first control signal to the dispenser in response to at least one of the following events;
(i) a learning process is beginning, (ii) a predetermined event has occurred during a learning process, (iii) a learning process has ended, (iv) a sleep cycle is beginning, (v) a slow wave sleep phase is beginning, or (vi) a sleep cycle is ending.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Memory enhancement and recall, particularly with respect to declarative memory, uses olfactory stimulants during memory formation, preferably during memory consolidation, and optionally during memory recall. An apparatus has a reservoir (205) for containing an olfactory stimulant (202), a dispenser (210) for releasing the stimulant, and a controller (215) for activating the dispenser. The controller may respond to user input device (220) or a sensor (225) to trigger the dispenser. An optional display (230) may provide information to the user and allow the user to provide input instead of, or in addition to, the user input device. An optional personal reservoir also allows the user to release the olfactory stimulant upon demand.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. An apparatus for improving at least one of retention or recall of a memory, the apparatus comprising:
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a reservoir configured to store an odorant; a dispenser, coupled to or integral with the reservoir, and responsive to a first control signal to cause at least some of the odorant to be dispensed; a controller to provide the first control signal to the dispenser in response to at least one of the following events;
(i) a learning process is beginning, (ii) a predetermined event has occurred during a learning process, (iii) a learning process has ended, (iv) a sleep cycle is beginning, (v) a slow wave sleep phase is beginning, or (vi) a sleep cycle is ending. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method for improving at least one of retention or recall of a memory, the method comprising:
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providing a reservoir configured to store an odorant; providing a dispenser, coupled to or integral with the reservoir, which can be caused to at least one of dispense, release or expose at least some of the odorant; and providing instructions, along with the reservoir and the dispenser, the instructions being to cause the dispenser to at least one of dispense, release or expose at least some of the odorant during at least one of the following times;
(i) a learning process is beginning, (ii) a predetermined event has occurred during a learning process, (iii) a learning process has ended, (iv) a sleep cycle is beginning, or (v) a sleep cycle is ending. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15)
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Specification